I welcome the students in the Public Gallery from St. Cronan’s National School in Swords. They are very welcome. They have joined us at the end of what is called the Order of Business, where Members of the Seanad, of which there are 60, can raise matters of national, local and international importance. The students are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope, as part of their visit, that they find it educational. There is a custom as Cathaoirleach that we would bestow on you an evening off homework. Perhaps that …

I wish to inform Members that Dáil Éireann has passed the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 on 1 May 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

The Joint Committee on Justice has completed its consideration of a motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the proposal for regulations and a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on international protection, asylum and migration.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator John McGahon - the need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a dedicated funding stream for wheelchair basketball clubs. Senator Tim Lombard - the need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the application for minor flood relief works for Ring village. Senator Eugene Murphy - the need for th…

I thank Senator McGahon and commend Katie Byrne. Senator Lombard and I will attest to the power of the Senator's Commencement matter. The Rebel Wheelers is one such team in Cork. We have a very good friend in Conor Coughlan and his father Con. Everything the Senator said is very true and I commend him on raising the matter and for supporting wheelchair basketball clubs, especially in Cork and County Louth.

That is a very good point. I thank the Minister of State.

Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, on my behalf and, I am sure, on behalf of all of us as Members of Seanad Éireann, I extend our comhghairdeachas and congratulations to the new Congressman-elect in New York, Tim Kennedy, who is a great friend of mine and of Senator Daly. Last night he won the special election for the vacant seat in the 26th District of New York. He is a wonderful friend of Ireland and a wonderful representative for the state of New York. New Congressman Kennedy is a champio…

I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the guests of our friend and colleague, Senator Mary Seery Kearney. Ceád míle fáilte.

I wish everyone a happy May Day. I thank Senator Moynihan and call Senator Daly.

It is wonderful to celebrate 25 years of Lyric FM. I have to admit I am a Marty Whelan anorak. I choose to listen to him every morning. He is a wonderful broadcaster. Senator McDowell might indulge in this; two of my other favourite presenters are Aedín Gormley and Evelyn Grant. I had the pleasure of working with the latter in RTÉ Radio Cork. She has a wonderful programme on Lyric FM on Saturdays. I wish a happy 25th birthday to everyone in Lyric FM. I thank the Senator for raising the matter. Our country is a bett…

I thank the Senators.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. Anois, glaoim ar an Treoraí le freagra a thabhairt ar ár ngnó.

An amendment to the Order of Business has been proposed by Senator Malcolm Byrne: "That No. 8 be taken before No.1." It has been seconded by Senator Casey and the Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I propose the suspension of the House until 12.45 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Will the Senators claiming a division please rise?

As fewer than five Members have risen, I declare the amendment lost. In accordance with Standing Order 61 the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

I do not want to interrupt the Senator but we are on amendments Nos. 3, 4 and 7 which are dealing specifically with the right to protest within 100 m of an entrance. I ask the Senator to please keep it relevant to that.

I remind the Senator that we are on amendments Nos. 3, 4 and 7, which are to do with the right to protest. They have nothing to do with woke agendas or anything like that. I am trying to be fair to everybody.